Even though we want to encourage madness, we have to ensure that we do things as safely as possible and with respect to others around us. Thus we've come up with a set of rules that each participant must abide by or will run the risk of being disqualified. 

Before we start, it’s probably a good time to mention that in the event of any dispute, the Rally Master's decision is final! It might not be fair, reasoned or even thought out, but it will be final.

Oh, and we reserve the right to adjust and add to these rules as we see fit. Final rules will be presented at the Riders' Meeting on the Friday night.

Follow the Route!


There’s a route that we will have taken a while to come up with. The idea is to avoid all Expressways. This is mainly for the smaller scoots where it is illegal and dangerous to be on a multi-lane expressway. However, since there is an additional challenge to following this course, we require that all classes do so … because we’re like that.

The reception party does not open until 12 hours after you depart. The idea is that you will only be able to do the route in less than 12 hours if you speed excessively or take the highway. Either way is bad and if you do, there will be no-one at the end to welcome you back anyway.

If, when you get back, your odometer suggests that you did not follow the route you will be asked to conduct an odometer accuracy check. If, as a result, we conclude that you did not follow the course, you will be disqualified. Harsh, yet fair. JUST DON’T TAKE SHORT CUTS!

Oh yes, and if you want to bring a GPS, then you are free to do so.

Rider


Each rider must always ensure their own safety:

Fatigue is your worst enemy! If you get to the point where your safety is compromised, PULL OVER AND REST. If you’re too tired to continue, DROP OUT OF THE RALLY. There’s no point in killing yourself over a certificate – no matter how pretty it is. And yes, that is a rule.

Excessive speed kills. Remember, while on the MBS Rally you are representing motorcycling/mad people. The MBS is a rally, not a race. Excessive speeding will not be tolerated ... though most of you would be lucky to get close to a speed limit.

The rider must also possess a current and valid drivers licence and appropriate riding gear (ideally with some reflective material on the back or with a reflective vest - especially in the smaller cc classes), including a DOT approved helmet (‘tis the law).

Teams


A team can be either two or three people, meaning that if you have four or more who want to be in a team, then you simply break it up into several teams. Assuming they're in the same class, then they can still ride together.

Okay, what if you have two people who want to ride the rally but they only have one scoot (rider and passenger)?

The answer is to enter as a team. That means that both bastards sign-up and both are in the same team and both have a chance of winning (though it's going to be down to the photographs submitted as that'll likely be the only differentiating factor).

If you are riding in a team and therefore competing for the team prize (tbc), then you should know that if any of your team ends up being DNF (Did Not Finish) then that will apply to the whole team and you can kiss your prize dreams goodbye. Yes, you all gotta finish or you're out of the team prize running.

Of course, this has nothing to do with the individual prize (the scooter), which you would still be eligible for providing that you are not the team member left in a ditch.

Scooter


Must be registered for use on Canadian roads (including a valid sticker and plate). It must also be insured for use in – and be in street-legal form – for Canada.

The scooter must also do the rally! If it breaks down and can't be fixed then your rally is done – you cannot replace the scooter and complete the rally. However, if you are riding in a team, you will be allowed to swap rides during the rally, just be sure to arrive at the finish on the scooter that you left with!

The scooter must be in good mechanical condition with sufficient tire wear remaining in order to complete the 800 Kms or so of the rally. Also, it is vital that it has a functioning odometer as your out and return ODO readings are noted to ensure that you did the course.
   
Rider Conduct


YOU MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTS:

Failure to render aid to a participant or the public under emergency or life threatening conditions.

Acts that discredit the Mad Bastard Rally … although we can’t think of any. Oh yes, like damage to host hotel property, disturbance of other guests or non-payment of your bill.

Acts that endanger the general public, spectators or other participants.

Discourtesy to staff or other participants. Please remember that the Rally staff is composed entirely of volunteers (and the occasional sucker).

Excessive citations or gross misconduct – there’s a fine line between getting additional Mad Bastard points and going to jail.